Himchuli (6441m) lies in the Annapurna range and it is connected to Annapurna South. The Himchuli was first summated by an American Peace Corps Expedition under the leadership of Craig Anderson in October 1971 via the southeast face. The mountain is not technically difficult to climb but is vulnerable to rock falls, and route finding may also be a problem. Even though it offers major new route potentials, it has received little attention from mountaineers and is rarely climbed.

Climbing Route: South-East Face Route: The route to base camp starts from Hinko Cave on the Annapurna Sanctuary trail. After establishing the first camp somewhere above the valley floor a further 2 camps are necessary to make it to the top. Although not technically extreme this route is exposed to rock fall and is a complicated route-finding experience.

North-West Face Route: The ascent by the North-West Face has been attempted only by a very few climbers and not always successfully. The exact route is not well known. The approach is from the Annapurna Base Camp in the Sanctuary and a further 2 camps may be necessary to complete this not so well known ascent.

DAY 01: Arrive in Kathmandu: Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given in the evening at hotel about the daily program activities by your Group Leader/Guide.

DAY 02: Excursion day in Kathmandu: After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will be pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader/guide then you can ask any questions you may have.

DAY 03: Kathmandu – Pokhara: This day after breakfast being early in the morning we drive to Beni (850m) via Pokhara, approximately the drive should take 8/9 hours and you’ll find most of the part enjoyable, and offering good scenery. Beni is at the confluence of the Myagdi Khola and the Kali Gandaki.

DAY 04: Drive to Nayapul then trek to Tirkhedhunga: Now you begin your trek from Nayapul (1050m.) to Tirkhedhunga (1577m) via Birethanti (1065m) which takes about four and half hours. After breakfast at hotel, you could drive for 1 and half hours to Nayapul. Then you start your trekking. The first part of your trek is easy passing through numerous small villages and settlements. Afterwards you could ascend gently to the final destination of the day. The majority people here are Gurung and their religion is Buddhist. They are engaged in agricultural activities, tourism business.

DAY 05: Tirkhedhunga to Ghorepani: To begin your trek, you could ascend steeply for the early 2 hours and then ascend gently passing through Ulleri (2070m) and Banthanti, Magar villages. On the way, you could see good view of Machhapuchhare (6997m), Hiunchuli (6441m), and Annapurna (7219m) south. Now your trail is quite easier passing through rhododendron and shadowy trees and descends gently up to the final camp. You could see some of the wild life such as monkey and various species of birds.

DAY 06: Ghorepani to Tadapani: Early morning trip to Poon Hill (3232m) to enjoy the sunrise view over Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri (6940m), Varaha Shikhar (7847m), Mt. Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Annapurna III (7855m), Machhapuchhare (6993m), Annapurna IV (7525m), Annapurna II (7937m), Lamjung Himal (6931m) and other numerous snowcapped mountain peaks. After walking for almost one and half hour you reach Gurung Hill which has the splendid mountain views as Poon Hill. From here you follow small forests with rhododendron, bamboos until you reach Deurali. The trail goes steeply down through deep forests all the way to Banthati. It takes one hour from here to reach Tadapanil through the deep forests of rhododendrons, bamboos and oaks. En-route, you frequently see waterfalls, rocks, wild animals, local birds and green scenarios. Tadapani is a small village surrounded by beautiful forests which grants you a magnificent view of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Fishtail, and Annapurna II and so on.

DAY 07: Tadapani to Ghandrung: It is very easy trek by descending gently all the way through rhododendron, oak and other kinds of dense forests. You could hear different kinds of birds chirping on the way. This is one of the popular destinations for the birds' lovers. Ghandruk is a big Gurung village. There is a handicraft centre and Gurung museum. From this village you could see good views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna (7455m), Annapurna III (7755m) and Fishtail.

DAY 08: Ghandung to Chhomrong: At the beginning of the day, you could ascend gently for an hour up to Ghandrukkot (2100m.) and descend steeply to the Kimron Khola (1700m). Immediately, ascend steeply and walk at a level for an hour and still ascend gently to the final camp. Chhomrong is a gateway to Annapurna Sanctuary trek and inhabited by Gurung, one of the major Ethnic group of Nepal.

DAY 09: Chhomorong to Bamboo: Leaving Chhomrong, the trail descends on a stone staircase and crosses the Chhomrong Khola on a swaying suspension bridge, then climbs out of the side valley. High above the Modi Khola on its west bank, the trail passes through the tiny settlement of Tilicho in forests of bamboo, rhododendron and oak. Climbing further on a rocky trail (beware of the stinging nettles) you reach three hotels at Sinuwa (2350m). Climb in rhododendron forests to Kuldi (2520m) This was once a British sheep breeding project; now the stone houses are an ACAP visitor centre and check post. In winter, it's common to find snow anywhere from this point on. Descend a long, steep stone staircase into deep bamboo and rhododendron forests. It is then a short distance on a muddy trail to Bamboo Lodge (2340m)

DAY 10: Bamboo to Deaurali: You trek gently ascend through bamboo forests with varieties of rhododendron and oak trees. The first town you reach is Dovan (2630m) where there are few lodges and camp sites. Now you pass through muddy trail which traverses high above the river. There is debris of avalanches except during winter season. After short trek, you reach at Himalayan Hotel (2900m), the town named after the Himalayan Hotel. Beyond it, the trail is steeply ascent up to Hinko Cave (3160m), this named as a huge overhanging rock provides some protection against rain and avalanches. It takes approximately twenty minutes through normally ascent path to reach Deaurali (3230m)

DAY 11: Deaurali to Annapurna Base Camp: From here, the valley widens and becomes less steep and you can see the gates to the sanctuary. The trail is less steep. As the trail continues into the sanctuary, it crosses two avalanche tracks on a narrow trail that hurdles up against the cliffs. After short trek you will be at Bagar (3310m), a meadow and some abandoned hotels. The normal trail follows the left side of the valley. Now the trail appears gently ascent until you reach Machhapuchhare Base Camp (3820m). This is one of the places, where you can enjoy the view of Mount Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7229m), Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna III (7555m), Gangapurna (7454m) and Machhapuchhare (6997m). The path follows through alpine meadow and after some distance your trails go gently up. After a short trek, you begin to approach Annapurna Base Camp (4200m). From here, you can see the views of several peaks at 360 degree.

DAY 12: ABC to Singu Chuli Base Camp: You cross Annapurna glacier to follow the steep ascent trail all the way to Ten Peak Base Camp. On the way you can enjoy the panoramic views of Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7229m), Annapurna I (8091m), Fishtail Mountain, Barahashikhar Mountain and many others.

DAY 13-15: Base Camp to High Camp to Summit: The trail is rocky and steep ascent all the way to High Camp to summit (6501m). These days you can enjoy the panoramic views of Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna South (7229m), Annapurna I (8091m), Fishtail Mountain, Barahashikhar Mountain and many others.

DAY 16: Summit to Macchapucchre Base Camp: You descend all the way to Annapurna Glacier and after crossing it the trail is gradual down all the way to Macchapucchre Base Camp.

DAY 17: MBC to Sinuwa: The trail moves downhill until you reach Bamboo. After Bamboo, the trail goes steeply up to the Kuldi Ghar and now the trail is quite flat until you reach Sinuwa.

DAY 18: Sinuwa to Jhinudanda: You trek gradually descend to the Chhomrong Khola and you have to follow stone staircase for almost an hour to reach Chhomrong. The last part of the trail is steeply down to Jhinudanda (1750m). From the town you should walk down for 20 minutes to reach Hot Spring at the bank of the Modi Khola. You can relax at hot spring.

DAY 19: Jinuwadanda to Pothana: The first part of the trek is descent and then appears through flat land until you reach Himal Pani. Here you find beautiful waterfall. Beyond this town, the trail ascends gently crossing numerous streams and terraces. After short trek, you will be at Landruk (1640m.), a pretty big village inhabited by mixed community of Gurung, Magar and Brahmin as well. Now the trail gently ascends to Tolka (1850m.) and then ascent and level path to Bherikharka. From here, the trail goes steeply up to Deurali (2100m.) with a view of different mountain peaks in panorama. Now the trail gradually descends to Pothana passing through different oak forests. Pothana is a small town resided by Gurung, an ethnic community of Nepal. From here too, you can enjoy the splendid views of various mountain peaks.

DAY 20: Pothana to Dhampus Phedi (1045m) 3-hrs and drive to Pokhara: The trail is gently descent up to Dhampus, a village mainly inhabited by Gurung. Now you trek through flat land for some distance and steeply descend to Dhampus Phedi. Now you take vehicle to drive from Dhampus Phedi to Pokhara.

DAY 21: Drive to Kathmandu: While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli,, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En-route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. Or you can fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu and it takes about 25 minutes.

DAY 22: Leisure day in Kathmandu: This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing. Evening will have farewell meeting & dinner at Nepali typical restaurant.

DAY 23: Departure day: After breakfast you will have some free time until the time to leave the international airport for your final departure.

Arrival Information: We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact us at nap@wlink.com.np or call us at +977-1-4258476 or +9779851050327 as emergency contact. Our airport representative will be waiting with your Name or Nepal Adventure Point sign on it. Please check carefully once you exit the baggage hall as there seem to be hundreds of people waiting outside in the arrival gate and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes , we recommend that you make your own way to the hotel and we will pay you back taxi cost if this occurs.

Pre-meeting and trip briefing: On this trek and climbing, we give a short brief about Himchuli Peak Climbing and Annapurna Base Camp trekking trip at hotel on the same day of your arrival and introduce by your group leader and team members. At the mean time, we will provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about your trip. Pre-trip meeting covers the information regarding the personal equipment, acclimatization among others. We believe that pre-trip meeting is very important in order to better preparation of the trip.

Service Level: This climbing trip is leveled as a standard which means standard hotel rooms are provided with breakfast, sightseeing tours and guest houses and lodges with private room with share bathroom.

Group Size & group joining: The minimum group size is 4 and the maximum is 16. However, if you'd like to make a group booking for more than that, we will be happy to arrange this for you. Our entire trip is a group joining basis unless any one does not request the private or the personal trip.

Important Stuffs: Island peak permits, National park permit and TIMS card required for this trip so we suggest you to post us 8 passport-size photos copies of passport & visa (If you already have), insurance policy. You should also have contact numbers of next to kin, Bank and insurance company and your travel agent/ flight booking office.

Traveller Require: Climber must carry a valid travel document i.e. Passport, visa, Re-entry Permit etc. Nepal Adventure Point is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items and also will not be responsible for any liability due to travel document. Once programmed is booked clients are requested to send us the following details 3 weeks before you arrival to Kathmandu.

Full Name as Passport:

Sex:

Passport Number:

Passport issue Date:

Passport Expiry Date:

Date of Birth:

Nationality:

Occupation:

Passport photo copy:

4 copy of passport size photos

Flight details:

Telephone No:

E-mail:

Accommodation: Island Peak Climbing and Everest Base Camp trip itinerary is a mixture of lodges and tents accommodations while you are on the mountain. Actually trekking part we accommodate on teahouse lodges and has been chosen according their eco-friendliness, best location, hygiene and friendly nature. On climbing section will accommodate with comfortable two men camping tent, foam mattress. We maintain standard & comfort in every means with best of our knowledge, experiences and costs. All accommodations on trekking/climbing lodge & tent is based on twin share. We provide standard hotels in Kathmandu like hotel Manang/Marshyangdi or similar category with breakfast.

Meals: The meals are includes on this trip, mostly the buffet style breakfast will be provided in the Kathmandu hotel. Freshly cook food on full board basis will be provided both on trekking and climbing sections through the best provided lodges and during the climbing period, we provide basic Nepali dish but are high level of balance diet, hygiene and safety. Three meals will be provided both in lodges and during the camp. Each day dinner and breakfast will be provided in the same lodge/camp you spend the night. Lunch camp will be fixed on a pleasant surrounding…

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner: Breakfast during the trek consists of most typical items. Eggs, toast, hash browns, corn flakes, muesli, oatmeal, pancakes and the local specialties of chapatti and Tibetan bread are all common menu items. Breakfast is accompanied by juice, coffee, tea, cocoa and other hot drinks.

Lunch and dinner options in the teahouses include a variety of choices. Soups (commonly tomato, vegetable, noodle, or hearty "Sherpa stew") and momos are excellent starters. Main courses like chicken and yak dishes, pastas, pizzas, and even fries are served alongside vegetable fried rice or noodles and Nepali specialties such as Dal Bhat (Rice and lentils). Be sure to save room for a dessert such as apple pie, chocolate cake, or "snickers pie"! Soft drinks, beer, and wine are also widely available, although they are priced at a premium the higher you trek.

Snacks: While the food in the mountains is excellent, it is nice to bring along a few of your favorite snacks and drink mixes to enjoy after a long day. We recommend that climbers bring 2 - 3 lbs of their absolute favorite snacks and comfort foods to have throughout the expedition.

Staffs: Believing that every successful trip has been possible because of the team work, Nepal Adventure Point employs experienced and trained Nepalese trekking/climbing guide and other staffs. On this peak climbing trip there will be trekking and climbing Sherpa guide, assistant guide will provide group above 5 trekkers and Sherpa porters or pack animal for luggage carrying (Each Sherpa carry 2 person luggage’s, maximum weight 30kgs) and other staffs as per requirement for the climbing section. This arrangement ensures that if anybody in the group is getting sick; the trip can still continue as we already planned. Nepal Adventure Point arrange the any Peak climbing trip even for single person but the cost bit high rather than there is more people, and include maximum of 12 peoples only.

Good care of Porters: Believing that the porters are important and impossible to complete the trip. We do not allow porters to carry exceeding 20 kgs in tea-house and 30kgs weight in camping trek. It is because of human being respect, their rights and against any exploitation on its operation. We provide good health insurance, good equipments, working training and of course good pay with lots of encouragements. We are working with porters progress of Nepal and other organizations concerning about the porters.

Responsible Tourism Concept: Nepal Adventure Point is taking concern of economy, social, environment and culture while running its trips. Our staffs are trained on this and try for minimum impact on the natural environment and native peoples. We try to support local economy by using their products, making aware and our clients will have to respect the local culture and traditions. We always try to make the areas more cleaner and friendly environments after we travel. This is possible by your understanding and our trained crews.

Health & Experience Required: You need very good stamina for a long day and climbing effort while you are climbing any trekking peaks. You can climb some of trekking peak without any climbing training or course and skills of using climbing equipment but knowledge on using equipment and previous experience would be helpful although not compulsory because a pre-ice climbing training is provided to you by our climbing Sherpa guide in base camp to make you skillful on using mountain climbing gears such as ropes, ice pick, harness, crampons. Normally, peak climbing usually requires normally 5-6 hours of walking everyday and some days even 8-10 hours- such as in summiting day. We suggest you to get prepared with about 10-12 kilometers of walking or jogging exercise every day before a month of your climbing trip, you are considering walking in high altitude and remote area for many days and around five hours most of the days. To join the any trekking peak climbing trip with a good chance of success, you must have: Lots of self-control, reasonable fitness and good stamina with sound health. It is very important that participants with pre-existing medical problems or conditions make these known to Nepal Adventure Point at the time of booking. Medical and evacuation expenses are the responsibility of her/himself. It is also important that you better to consult with your doctor before you departure to your destination.

Acclimatization: Keep in mind that you will be passing above 5000m/16400ft and reaching at goal destination during the journey to the top of the desired Peak. Walking fast at such elevation could lead to medical complications (Acute Mountain Sickness) which could be serious. There is less oxygen compared to sea level in high-altitudes places. The higher, altitude will be the less oxygen in air. Your body needs a days to acclimatize to this environment, which is why we will stop a day rest in trails-head destination and the base camp. Although we provide information regarding AMS insurance, the only option for treatment is descending (evacuation). We advise that clients with known heart, lung or blood diseases, or clients over the age of 60 to discuss with their doctor before traveling with us. Symptoms of AMS include mild to severe headaches, dizziness, fever, loss of appetite or stomach pain; it is important to alert our staff if you are feeling poorly to ensure that illness does not progress.

There are ways of helping the acclimatization process, as described below:

- Walk slowly: there is plenty of time included in the itinerary so there is no need to rush, go at your own pace and enjoy the incredible views!

- Drinks lots of water: it is easier for your body to acclimatize when hydrated so drink water and avoid coffee, tea and alcohol.

- Consider taking Diamox (acetazolamide): before using this drug we recommend consulting a doctor and thoroughly researching the pros and cons.

Climbing Preparation: For the trekking you do not need to be a super athlete nor a mountaineer but a few weeks of training, yours pre exercise or some hiking arriving in Nepal, will suffice for this trekking. But you need enough preparation for the peak climbing. The climbing period for most of the trekking peaks rarely exceeds more than a few days so large amounts of base camp equipment are not usually required. Also, due to their relatively low altitude, the amount of climbing equipment required is proportionally less. In general, preparation for climbing these peak is little different from preparing for a trek. It won’t be more enjoyable spending the trip of a lifetime struggling to walk the trails every day when a little sensible preparation before you arrive would make the trails so much more rewarding and entire life time experience. So, it is important to be in physical good condition and mentally preparation before you start peak climbing or other mountains activities in Nepal. Try to spend an hour a day hiking and batter to take alpine climbing course in ice and rock, even our climbing guide give training about how to climb and practical some climbing technique. Most of day’s running a few miles is probably the best single physical activity, which will hand for your trip. While on the training period you may also be breaking in those new trekking boats that may otherwise give you blisters on the first day out on the trail. Who are planning to climb trekking peaks need to be physically very fit.

It will be good if you try to find out as much as possible about Nepal’s customs especially about the particular trip that you have planned before arriving. We are always happy to give you information with updated facts.

Packing list: While packing for trekking and Climbing, warm clothing is important to ensure comfort and safety, while non-essential gear such as a knife may simply come in handy. Here we have a suggested packing list to guide you in preparation:

Suggested Clothing and Equipment List

Footwear:

Plastic mountaineering boots.

Walking boots. For the trek you will need a pair of water repellent boots with ankle support.

Gaiters. A pair used to keep boots dry if walking through deep snow or on wet ground.

Wool and liner socks.

Trainers/sneakers. Can be used in camp/lodge in the evenings.

Clothing:

Waterproof jacket and trousers (Goretex or similar).

Trekking trousers.

Long sleeve shirts (not cotton).

Micro fleece.

Mid to heavyweight fleece.

Sleevelessor body warmer type fleece.

Thermals or baselayer for top & bottom (merino wool or synthetic).

Fleece pants.

Medium weight down jacket (eg. Nuptse jacket by The North Face).

Handwear:

Fleece gloves.

Warms mittens and/or gloves.

Headwear:

Wool or fleece hat.

Sun hat.

Bandana or scarf.

Neoprene face mask.

Sunglasses.

Ski googles.

Climbing equipment: Climbing harness with two slings, four screw gate carabiners, belay plate and 3m of 5mm static cord for prussiks [we have a limited number of “Harness packs” for rent, this includes harness (medium size Black Diamond Alpine BOD), ATC belaydevice with large carabiner, three screwgate carabiners, Petzl handle ascender, two slings and prussik cord. Please contact TMC office for further prices and availability]

Jumar ascender (eg. Petzl handle ascender).

Crampons (10 or 12 point general mountaineering type are the best).

Mountaineering ice axe with leash.

Personal Equipment:

Sleeping bag.

Sleeping mat (eg. Thermarest). On trek we provide everyone with one foam mat however we recommend two layers for maximum insulation and comfort.

Backpack large enough to carry water bottles, camera, lunch and extra clothing.

Stuff sacks for keeping your gear dry and organized.

Headtorch. Bring extra batteries.

Two water bottles (Nalgene wide mouth bottles are the best).

Sunscreen and lipsalve with a high SPF.

Insect repellent.

Water purification tablets (Pristine, Biox Acqua or Acqa Mira).

Trekking poles (Black Diamond with “Flick Lock” are best).

Camera with spare batteries and memory cards.

Insurance certificate.

Travelling: Duffle bag or large backpack for your personal gear on the trek (carried by a porter). Bring a small combination padlock to secure the bag.

Travel clothes. You will need casual clothing for air travel days and time spent in Kathmandu.

Toiletry bag include toilet paper, soap, towel, toothbrush, etc.

Personal first aid kit:

Note: we provide a comprehensive group first aid kit but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as:

Any personal medications.

Blister treatment (Compeed patches are the best).

Analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin).

Plasters and zinc oxide tape.

Throat lozenges.

Diamox

Earplugs (optional).

Baby wipes (optional).

Hand sanitizer (optional).

Trip Members' Responsibility: Trip members have the responsibility to select a trip appropriate to their abilities and interests. We are also happy to discuss the trip with you. Trip members are responsible for preparing for the trip by studying the detailed itinerary and for bringing the appropriate clothing and equipment as advised.

Travel Insurance: All participants in a Nepal Adventure Point trek must have travel insurance. This will protect you against the risk of comprehensive expenses which may result due to medical emergencies or accidents. This insurance should include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs. Please be noted that we don't arrange or sell insurance and it is best to arrange this in your home country.

Rescue and Emergency Evacuation: In the case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we believe will not happen; you shall be rescued by a helicopter. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back in Kathmandu. If you have no communication equipments, ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform office about requirement of a helicopter. While asking for the helicopter, you are required to send name of the sick person and exact location from where helicopter can airlift you.

Note: Do not leave the place although you are getting better once you have ordered helicopter.

Spending Money: Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping.

Tipping: It's not compulsory but tipping the porters and guides is customary and always greatly appreciated. A rough guideline is US$ 5-7 per person a day for trekking and Climbing guide and US$ 4-6 per person a day for the team supporters, however if you wish to tip more that is always welcome.

Clients Feedback: We are not 100% but we do always committed to providing the best service to make complete satisfaction in order to maintain the best value what you have paid and expect. Your feedback are always welcome and appreciated; they provide valuable insight for us for future trips. We are happy to give you the opportunity to communicate openly about your thoughts and experiences with us. Please leave your feedback with us at the end the trip. Both your good and not so good comments will help us to make our service more effective and efficient in the future.